Good morning, Sarasota.

Deputies arrested 44-year-old Juanita M.

Pendell on homicide and first-degree arson charges after a Nokomis camper trailer caught fire on August 5 at 255 N. Tamiami Trail where firefighters found a man unresponsive at 1:48 a.m.—the investigation continues.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens now hosts 'The High Life'—an exhibition that shows 70 bird photographs capturing scenes from natural landscapes to museum settings—and visitors can see images of birds not normally found on the garden’s campus.

On July 29, the Sarasota County School Board approved a tentative budget of $1.35 billion and a millage rate of 6.095 mils for the 2025–2026 fiscal year as the district faces rising costs and increased enrollment.

The board will hold a final budget hearing on Sept. 16 to finalize the figures.

Most Florida counties will begin the 2025—2026 school year on August 11 while a few counties will start on August 12, 13, or 14.

A state law requires kindergarten students to receive a minimum of 720 net hours of instruction and delays changes to middle and high school start times until July 1.

East County high school sports will heat up this fall as key volleyball games start on August 12 and August 19 and football matchups begin on September 5, with teams from Braden River, Palm Harbor, Lakewood Ranch, Parrish Community, and ODA set to face off.

The games—featuring rivalry contests that could affect district standings—promise to spark early season momentum for local schools.

Local high school sports fans in Sarasota will see a busy fall season as teams prepare with games that test their talent and district standings.

Notable matchups include Cardinal Mooney football vs True North on Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. and Booker football vs Naples on Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.—other contests in volleyball and district play promise extra excitement.

Open Studio Art Event

2-5 p.m. — First Congregational Church UCC — Donations accepted — Engage in creative art making and relax in a supportive artistic community.

Newish Jewish Play Reading: 'A Black and White Cookie'

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Players Centre for Performing Arts — $20 — Experience a moving story of friendship and resilience as two lonely seniors unite against adversity.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 PM — Marina Jack — Cost info not specified — Enjoy the music of Bri Rivera, a local talent from Puerto Rico, bringing her vibrant sounds to Sarasota.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Cost info not provided — Experience the unique 'loop' stylings of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts by the waterfront.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

10 PM – 2 AM — 2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota, FL — Free entry — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of Bri Rivera, a talented musician from Puerto Rico, as she captivates the local music scene.

Bri Rivera Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Visit Artist's Website — Experience the local talent of Bri Rivera, a rising star in the Sarasota music scene.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Experience the unique loop styling of accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts while enjoying the scenic views of Sarasota.

Rainbow Connections Summer Outing

4:45-7 p.m. — Art Center Sarasota — Free entry — Celebrate summer with an art exhibit opening and community connection.

PMP Certification Training in Sarasota, FL

9 AM – 5 PM — Regus - Sarasota Courthouse — Contact for pricing — Gain essential project management skills and knowledge through an interactive 4-day training course.

Scott Curts Live Performance

5-9 p.m. — Marina Jack — Free entry — Enjoy an eclectic evening of music with accomplished singer-songwriter Scott Curts and his canine companion, Apollo.